Can I copyright characters or story plots I have created?

Yes, you can copyright characters or story plots you have created in Washington. Copyright law gives authors the exclusive right to reproduce, distribute, and publicly perform or display their original works of authorship. This includes characters, stories, ideas, and artwork. To secure a copyright for your story or characters, you should pursue copyright registration by the United States Copyright Office. This registration will give you the highest level of legal protection for your work, as well as the right to sue for infringement in federal court. When you file for copyright registration, you must submit a copy of the work you intend to copyright (or a deposit). This can be in the form of a manuscript, artwork, script, or music. When you have received copyright registration, you must include a copyright notice along with your work: © [your name] [year of first publication], All Rights Reserved. This notice lets people know that you own the copyright and can discourage them from infringing on your rights. Keep in mind that copyright law does not protect ideas or concepts, only the expression of those ideas or concepts. So, although you can copyright characters and stories you have created, someone else may be able to legally create their own version of your characters and stories.

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Can I copyright characters or story plots I have created?

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